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About Writing Gordon Lightfoot

From acclaimed musician and author Dave Bidini comes a brilliantly original look at a folk-rock legend and the momentous week in 1972 that culminated in the Mariposa Folk Festival.

July, 1972. As musicians across Canada prepare for the nation’s biggest folk festival, held on Toronto Island, a series of events unfold that will transform the country politically, psychologically–and musically. As Bidini explores the remarkable week leading up to Mariposa, he also explores the life and times of one of the most enigmatic figures in Canadian music: Gordon Lightfoot, the reigning king of folk at the height of his career. Through a series of letters, Bidini addresses Lightfoot directly, questioning him, imagining his life, and weaving together a fascinating, highly original look at a musician at the top of his game. By the end of the week, the country is on the verge of massive change and the ’72 Mariposa folk fest–complete with surprise appearances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and yes, Lightfoot–is on its way to becoming legendary.

About Writing Gordon Lightfoot

From acclaimed musician and author Dave Bidini comes a brilliantly original look at a folk-rock legend and the momentous week in 1972 that culminated in the Mariposa Folk Festival.

July, 1972. As musicians across Canada prepare for the nation’s biggest folk festival, held on Toronto Island, a series of events unfold that will transform the country politically, psychologically–and musically. As Bidini explores the remarkable week leading up to Mariposa, he also explores the life and times of one of the most enigmatic figures in Canadian music: Gordon Lightfoot, the reigning king of folk at the height of his career. Through a series of letters, Bidini addresses Lightfoot directly, questioning him, imagining his life, and weaving together a fascinating, highly original look at a musician at the top of his game. By the end of the week, the country is on the verge of massive change and the ’72 Mariposa folk fest–complete with surprise appearances by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and yes, Lightfoot–is on its way to becoming legendary.

From the Hardcover edition.

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Praise

“An extraordinary book about an extraordinary week. Superb.” —Joseph Boyden

“Bidini is a terrific writer – funny, clever, passionate. . . . Part history lesson, part travelogue, part self-examination, part play-by-play and a whole lot of reminiscing… hilarious…” — Dave Fuller, Toronto Sun

“We want to be Dave Bidini when we grow up.” —Toronto Star

“Dave Bidini is a heck of a good writer. His prose is almost conversational, creating an effect like a guy sitting at a bar telling you a good story, without the drunken rambling usually associated with such a fellow.” —Globe and Mail

About Dave Bidini

Author and musician Dave Bidini is the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie, and Juno as well as CBC’s Canada Reads. A founding member of Rheostatics, he has written twelve books, including On a Cold Road, Tropic of Hockey, Around the… More about Dave Bidini

About Dave Bidini

Author and musician Dave Bidini is the only person to have been nominated for a Gemini, Genie, and Juno as well as CBC’s Canada Reads. A founding member of Rheostatics, he has written twelve books, including On a Cold Road, Tropic of Hockey, Around the… More about Dave Bidini

Author Q&A

20 Writerly Questions for Dave Bidini

1. How would you summarize your book in one sentence?Oh, it’s very, very, very, very good. Really. It is.

2. What inspired you to write this book?Well, you gotta eat.

3. How long did it take you to write it?I wrote it in four months. No lie.

4. Where is your favorite place to write?I’d say Earth. Generally.

5. Did you do much research?Some, yes. Other stuff, I just made up.

6. If there was one book you wish you had written what would it be?Have to be Pro Hockey Annual, 1976.

7. What’s the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?“Your line shift at the shoe factory starts at 8 am.”

8. If you could talk to any writer living or dead who would it be, and what would you ask?Me: What is the secret to good writing?

Hemingway: Shut up and drink.

9. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind?Nope, never.

10. Who is the first person to read your manuscript?My wife.

11. Do you have a guilty pleasure read?Pro Hockey Annual, 1976.

12. What are you reading right now?A really annoying questionnaire by anon.

13. What was your favourite childhood book?The tablecloth.

14. Were you always interested in writing?Yes.

15. What do you drink or eat while you write?Pen nibs and eraser rubber.

16. Typewriter, laptop, or pen & paper?Typelap.

17. What did you do immediately after hearing that you were being published for the very first time?Telephoned God. But he was out golfing.

18. What was the most surprising fact you uncovered while writing your book?That Lightfoot and Cathy Smith are still friends.

19. If readers learn one thing from your book, what do you wish it to be?That this kid, Bidini, can really write!